There was no unhealthy luck for the Nuggets’ thirteenth street recreation of the season Friday in Los Angeles.
The Nuggets almost led wire-to-wire within the 114-104 win over the Clippers. Denver’s eight street wins lead the NBA.
Aaron Gordon led the best way with 29 factors to go along with seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Jamal Murray added 21 factors, 9 assists and 6 rebounds, whereas Nikola Jokic posted 19 factors, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Vlatko Cancar, who was promoted to sixth man after his massive recreation in Oklahoma Metropolis, led Denver’s reserves with 13 factors and blocked one other shot.
John Wall led the Clippers with 23 factors.
Whereas the Nuggets performed with out Michael Porter Jr. (heel contusion), Jeff Inexperienced (knee contusion) and Bones Hyland (sickness), the Clippers have been with out their two largest stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and sharpshooter Luke Kennard.
After lacking almost a month with a calf pressure, reserve level guard Ish Smith returned to the Nuggets’ rotation and supplied a lift to the second unit.
The Nuggets led by 5 after the primary quarter and stretched the result in 12 by halftime behind an 18-6 benefit in factors off turnovers. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic each had two steals within the first half. Denver maintained a 10-point benefit to start out the fourth quarter. The lead grew to as many as 21 within the closing quarter, and the Nuggets improved to 12-7 on the season.
What went proper: The Nuggets performed a clear and unselfish recreation from high to backside, ending with 27 assists and simply six turnovers. Murray led the cost with 9 assists to 1 turnover, and Jokic was the one Nuggets participant to complete with a number of giveaways (2).
What went unsuitable: It seemed just like the Nuggets have been making an attempt to get Jack White his first NBA factors within the closing minutes of the sport however had no such luck. The rookie on a two-way contract missed each of his 3-point makes an attempt within the closing couple of minutes. He may have extra alternatives within the subsequent week to get on the board.
Spotlight of the evening: The second unit had some enjoyable early within the second quarter. First, Zeke Nnaji put down an alley oop from Bruce Brown. Brown was then on the receiving finish after Ish Smith stuffed Norm Powell’s jumper and began the break. Smith lobbed it as much as Brown, whose one-handed dunk put the Nuggets up 12.
On deck: The Nuggets return to Denver for consecutive video games in opposition to the Rockets on Monday and Wednesday.